Adrienne Langelier Racing

A PhD in running, at least!

While I have so vaguely alluded to my goals and aspirations for the upcoming season(s) in previous posts, I confess that it is by design ;). Since I have made so many changes in my philosophy and approaches to training over the past year, I feel as if I am taking part in my own big experiment.

Being a psychology professional -and a bit of nerd at heart-I am viewing my upcoming running goals like a scientific process (with the emphasis on process) I am working on shifting my focus from output/outcome to minding the process and a more sound, technical approach to training and racing. I'll admit I am fascinated by the science of running.


Side note: I don't honestly think that I could get an online PhD in running. But there is an amazing amount of online PhD programs out there. This link is food for thought. There are many colleges offering online PhDs and it pays to be aware of your options. And speaking of awareness, here's an article on awareness and education for runners.



Of course getting a PhD is a long and arduous process (those who have the real deal have my utmost respect and admiration), and there's a series of benchmarks to hit before the finished product, and I am just getting started. My "dissertation"  includes a sub 1:20 half marathon (i.e my" thesis") , a sub-3:00 marathon, and hopefully a 2016 Olympic Trials qualifying time in the marathon. An overriding hypothesis is that my new training approach will keep me healthier and stronger overall and provide for more consistent progress over time.

 In about three weeks, I will be running in the Rock 'N Roll San Antonio Half Marathon, which will be the first of my series of experiments- a prospectus perhaps- to assess what variables are working and what needs adjustment. Hypothesis: a mid 1:20's time (say, 1:25 or so) is possible on mostly base mileage (50-60 per week avg.) and on just over one month of pace/interval work beforehand.

Abstract: Testing a theory that asserts by emphasizing the inputs more (below), the outputs become easier to come by; which is a change from how I used to do things. Test subject will be the half marathon.

If I were to write up this experiment, I guess it would look something like this:

Materials: Brooks shoe lineup: Ravenna, Green Silence, PureFlow, Ghost4, Racer ST-5), RunningAhead Training Log (see sidebar if interested:)), Believe I Am mental training log, handwritten, paper training cycle from Bill D., various supplements, ice baths, compression socks and sleeves, Jarrett Smilie/Body Mechanix Therapy, gym membership/weights Timex Ironman running watch, Garmin 405 (used sparingly), foam roller, stretching and mobility exercises (I came across some great ones, email if interested), PowerBar gel, Ironman Perform/Ironman Recovery (love this product), more calories in general. Oh yeah, and a lot of patience!

Procedures: Patience (again!), gradual running form changes, sleeping a lot,  listening to coach, ice baths after distances 10 miles or more, regular meals and recovery beverages, easy runs of 6-16 miles, progression runs, interval training, early mornings, mandatory foam rolling, core, and strength training, one rest day per week using some mental training work; especially affirmations, remaining positive, and visualizing, oatmeal making,  long runs with friends, a race here and there:), and gradually building mileage and using the principles of peaking for key races. Perhaps most importantly just  enjoying running. 

Results: TBA!

Prospectus/Pilot Study: San Antonio will be a test of how things are going and what adjustments need to be made. This will be the first real test of what the 14 day cycle has really been doing for me. Nutritionally, I will also re-introduce caffeine on the run as I have been training w/o it.  While I want to run in the mid-1:20's, most important is having a good experience and running strong; setting the stage for...

Defending my thesis: The Woodlands Half Marathon will be the race that I plan to peak for and run a time that is "special"; or at least give a special effort. If all goes to plan, this will be a good culmination of all the work I'm currently doing and be a good confidence builder for later getting back into the marathon game.

This is where I have not yet written the rest, but I know with a meticulous yet flexible approach and a positive attitude and belief system, who knows what is possible. You see that there is a lot of "inputs" that I am focusing on.  As it gets closer to race time, I am looking forward to collecting some data! Hope you all have enjoyed my more academic approach to training and racing.

Run happy-and if you feel like it-run nerdy!

*For more brainy running stuff, check out Steve Magness' blog at

 http://www.scienceofrunning.com/